The Ameru Enclave
A Summa Digest of Meru
Many travellers to Meru County arrive along the A2 Nairobi-Isiolo Road more proper Cape-Cairo Road extending from Kenya-Tanzania border at Namanga to the Ethiopian border at Moyale, or along the B6 Embu-Meru Road. Either way, both these good roads travel through the southern quarter of Meru County and across a cornucopia of indelible landscapes with the flanks of Mount Kenya, the attractive township of Meru and the picture-postcard sequence of volcanic hills.
Nyambeni Range pieces together one of the most pleasing landscapes in Kenya from the point of view of scenery. Along the A2 Road between Nanyuki to Meru towns (76 km apart) one enjoys great wide-angle views of a fairytale ecological gamut as the road bends and drops some 2000 ft down the Timau Escarpment, after crossing the pleasing farmlands at Timau, to jaw dropping views across the plains below Nyambeni Range through Isiolo to the turnoff into Buffalo Springs.
The much-prized but seldom talked about motoring pilgrimage around Mount Kenya, a journey of 290 kms along the A2 and B6 through the towns of Embu, Chuka, Meru, Timau, Nanyuki and Karatina is a long-standing adventure. From Nanyuki it is possible to to take your vehicle to 13,000 feet to the far end of the Sirimon Track. Those who plan a quick yatra trip around Mount Kenya would be well advised to plan the journey over the dry months of the year, and best soon after the rains when the flourishing and gramineous countryside is at its finest.
Meru County has five recognizable topographic areas of interest: the lower north-eastern flanks of Mount Kenya alluded to above; the north-east to south-west Nyambeni Range and its associated hillocks, forests and craters; the upstanding monadnocks along the north-western boundary; the protuberant rock mountains of Mpogoro Forest; and the Nyambeni lowlands which consist of the lower and terminal lavas of both Mount Kenya, Nyambeni Range and Meru National Park.
Generally speaking, the physical condition of Kenya plays a critical role in Meru County. Running parallel to the Coast a few miles inland, the hills divide the semi-arid shrubland from the coastal region by influencing the distribution of the rains. These hills check the rain clouds and dried-up vegetation which marches along the entire western flank only disappears when the higher ranges of Mount Kenya are reached; which breaks-up the clouds that pass over the lower coastal hills.
The result is higher average rainfall in Meru County and its surrounding areas. This, in addition to the rich volcanic soil, makes Meru one of the most fertile places in Kenya. The Mau and other higher ranges like Aberdare in the interior break up other clouds passing over the lower coastal hills. Moreover, the highest rainfall in Kenya is found in these three zones which are plateaus of remarkable greenery.
Salient Features of Meru County
- County Number 12
- Area – 5127 km2
- Altitude – 5000 ft
- Major Towns – Meru, Maua, Nkubu
- Borders – Isiolo, Nyeri, Tharaka-Nithi, Laikipia, Kitui, Tana River
Famous for its wildlife, rich agricultural lands, and stunning natural attractions, Meru County, on the north-eastern slopes of Mount Kenya, is the immemorial enclave of the Ameru nation. Inhabited mainly by the sub-tribes of Imenti, Tigania, Igembe, and Tharaka, Meru County has one of the best developed touring circuits.
You Are Here: Meru County
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Explore Destinations in Meru County
A Guide to Meru County
A Summa Digest of Meru
About Meru Way Back When
65 Destinations in Meru County, arranged as one would visit these - south, north, east then west - with the aid of in-depth narratives, images, strip maps and distance chart:
Kierra Valley, Kierra Ridge, St. Mary’s High School, Anabas Resort Trout and Seafood Grill, Tharuu Springs, Giitune Sacred Forest, M.Mpuri Cultural Centre, Meru Museum, St. Joseph's Cathedral, Meru Sports Club, Alba Hotel, Kathita Falls, Irine (Devil's Bridge) Falls, Cool Stream Garden, Thiiri Cultural Centre, Kaaga Methodist Church, Kaaga War Memorial, Kiathandi Hill, Mpogoro Forest, Stone Woman Kieiga Forest, Njuri Ncheke Headquarters at Nchiru, Ngaya Forest, Meru National Park, Twin Baobab Tree, Elsa’s Kopje, Ikweta Safari Camp, Adamson Falls Bridge, Rhino River Camp, Giant Meru Oak, Lake Nkunga, Mucheene Forest Station, Mucheene Cave, Lake Thai, Lewa Wildlife Conservancy, Sirikoi House, Nyambene Reserve, Liga Ria Ngutu, Lake Magado, Ngare-Ndare Forest Reserve, Ngare-Ndare Falls, Mount Kenya National Park, Sirimon Route, Mount Kenya One Day Trip, Theemwe Route, Theemwe Springs, Marania Route, Lake Rutundu, Rutundu Log Cabins, Chogoria Route, Nithi Falls, The Gates Falls, Lake Alice, Lake Ellis, Lake Michaelson, Vivienne Falls, Timau River Lodge, Wonky House, Tamalu Farm, Charanna Farm, Kisima Farm, Kisimani Resort, Mwonyo Valley, Giant Footprints
Know More About Meru County: Its Geography, Land-Use, Highlights, Population, Roads - including distance chart, Airports, Climate & National Monuments
What’s The Lay Of The Land In C.12?
Meru County’s positioning on the eastern slopes of Mount Kenya and the equator has highly influenced its natural conditions and economic prospects. Altitude ranges from 300m to 5,199m asl.
What’s The Air Like In Meru?
The topography of Meru County has a critical influence on its climate. Temperatures range from a low of 8 Degrees to a high of 32 Degrees Celsius during the cold and hot seasons respectively.
Abiri Kenya 